S you can see by the photos; my Polkas grow straight up. ...
1ft to light, direct
8” pot with drainage
Last watered 1 day ago
12
Generally speaking, More Light. Excessive foliage with no stem strength to back it up usually indicates it's stretching for light and sending out every leaf possible to catch what little there is. There are very few plants that truly thrive in low light environments- lots can survive, just not happily. If it's just growing up and not out, I'd try moving it to an east window for a few hours of direct morning sun!
Yes, you can use fluorescent lights on plants, especially for starting seeds or growing young seedlings, as they provide adequate light for plant growth, are readily available, and are relatively inexpensive; however, for larger plants or flowering/fruiting stages, specialized "grow lights" with a full spectrum of light are usually preferred.
Key points about using fluorescent lights on plants:
Best for seedlings:
Fluorescent lights are particularly good for germinating seeds and growing young plants because they emit a cool light and can be positioned close to the seedlings without burning them.
Choose "full spectrum" bulbs:
To maximize plant growth, look for fluorescent bulbs labeled as "full spectrum" which emit a wider range of light wavelengths similar to natural sunlight.
Light intensity matters:
Keep the fluorescent lights close to the plants as their light intensity diminishes with distance.
Consider T5 fixtures:
T5 fluorescent tubes are considered a better option than older T12 types as they provide more light per watt.
Not ideal for large plants:
While fluorescent lights can work for smaller houseplants, they might not provide enough light for larger plants or those requiring high light levels for flowering or fruiting.
Key points about using fluorescent lights on plants:
Best for seedlings:
Fluorescent lights are particularly good for germinating seeds and growing young plants because they emit a cool light and can be positioned close to the seedlings without burning them.
Choose "full spectrum" bulbs:
To maximize plant growth, look for fluorescent bulbs labeled as "full spectrum" which emit a wider range of light wavelengths similar to natural sunlight.
Light intensity matters:
Keep the fluorescent lights close to the plants as their light intensity diminishes with distance.
Consider T5 fixtures:
T5 fluorescent tubes are considered a better option than older T12 types as they provide more light per watt.
Not ideal for large plants:
While fluorescent lights can work for smaller houseplants, they might not provide enough light for larger plants or those requiring high light levels for flowering or fruiting.
